A new skills diagnosis mechanism has been operating in Greece since the first semester of 2016. It addresses the need for updated, concrete and regular skills trend information, especially as an input for designing VET and employment policies. Its introduction is based on Law 4368/2016 provisions(February 2016) for a permanent, functional and credible mechanism; a jointMinisterial Decision (24013/410 of May 2016) provides for the introduction and operation of a relevant network and the supporting information system.

Interest in post-secondary VET has recently increased, as indicated by the number of enrolments in public vocational training institutes (IEK). More specifically, the number of applicants for enrolment in the first semester of 2017/18 was 22 000, with enrolled students reaching 20 000, an increase of more than 3 000.

Since 2016 the Greek Government has been putting in place a series of important reforms to link VET better with the labour market. A new apprenticeship programme, the Post-secondary year - apprenticeship class, has been launched in line with current European practices.

Education and qualifications are essential to the successful integration of migrants. The information brochure Migration & integration – Focus: work and employment, supplies facts and figures on education, employment, unemployment and qualifications of people with a migration or refugee background. Extracts are presented below.

In the last few years, Malta has been working, through various initiatives, to increase access to education for those without a formal secondary education certificate. As from October 2016 the Foundation College within the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) has developed a number of skills kits courses, which offer more flexible, customised pathways towards achieving certification.